A Type 45 replacement based on a Type 31 hull would have to fit its equipment into a smaller general-purpose design. Using Type 26 would instead bring the cost of an anti-submarine hull with rafted machinery. Neither route is assumed to offer a straightforward saving for the future air-defence ship. A separate prediction puts the successor at about 14,000 tons with a tumblehome hull, reflecting expectations of further growth in ship requirements.
Notable Point · 4:09:48-4:10:36
Why a Type 45 successor might need a different hull
Adapting a Type 31 or Type 26 hull raises questions about available space and the cost of features intended for other missions.